What happened
On May 1, 2007, a TECNAM P92 Echo Super, registration CS-UPG, departed from Portimão Municipal Aerodrome for a local VFR recreational flight. The flight, operated by a single pilot, lasted approximately 30 minutes.
During the landing on runway 29, the aircraft touched down on the first third of the asphalt runway. While the approach and touchdown were initially stable, the pilot attempted to correct the aircraft's direction during the landing roll. In doing so, the pilot applied the left brake excessively. This asymmetric braking caused the aircraft to veer to the left, exiting the runway and coming to rest in a ditch located approximately 60 meters parallel to the runway.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's credentials, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the incident. Investigators noted that the pilot held a valid medical certificate and that the aircraft's documentation was in order.
Technical analysis of the runway showed asymmetric braking marks, specifically indicating greater braking action on the left wheel. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's mechanical state, finding no evidence of any system malfunctions, such as brake failure, that could have contributed to the loss of directional control. The weather was reported as having good visibility with a light northwest wind of 10 knots, which presented a minimal crosswind component of approximately 3 knots.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the loss of control of the aircraft during the landing roll due to improper piloting technique.
- The pilot's use of excessive left braking to counteract a directional tendency resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway.
- The presence of an uncovered ditch parallel to the left side of the runway contributed to the extent of the damage sustained by the aircraft.
- The aircraft sustained significant damage, including broken propeller blades, damage to the engine lower cowling, and damage to the nose and left main gear fairings, as well as structural damage to the engine mount and lower fuselage.